Iran Asks Egypt’s Speedy Action on Transfer of Aid into Gaza
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran’s Foreign Ministry on Friday expressed the hope that the Egyptian government would expedite the process of handing a consignment of Iran’s humanitarian aid over to the Gaza Strip.
“We hope the humanitarian aid provided by our country’s Red Crescent would be delivered to the people of Gaza as soon as possible under the aegis of the Egyptian government,” Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marziyeh Afkham said on Friday.
She explained that delivery of Iran’s humanitarian aid for the war-torn people of Gaza has been delayed due to “technical and bureaucratic problems” in Egypt, adding that contacts with Cairo are in progress to finalize the transfer of the shipment to Gaza.
On Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s orders, Tehran had earlier sent a consignment of humanitarian aid including medical equipment and foodstuff for the people of Gaza, who have come under heavy Israeli attacks since July 8.
The Israeli regime has for years laid siege to the Gaza Strip, making Rafah crossing on the border of Egypt the only window to the outside world for Gaza’s 1.8 million people.
Gaza residents, including patients seeking medical treatment, have been unable to travel to Egypt after the Rafah border crossing was shut by Cairo’s military-backed government.
The besieged area is now in dire need of medical supplies following Israel’s all-out offensive against people of Gaza.
Almost 850 Palestinians have been killed and over 5,200 have been wounded in the 18-day Israeli onslaught.
As Israel continues to bomb hundreds of targets in the enclave, hospitals are facing a shortage of medical supplies. Pre-existing shortages are being exacerbated by heightened need and by the border policies of the Egyptian government, which continues to restrict entry into Gaza.